Dr. Eboni Green
November 10, 2021
When you’re caring for a loved one, their health is your main priority. You clean and cook for them, check their daily vitamins, take them for checkups, and try your best to care for their every need. That also means making sure their home is safe enough for them to live in. However, in some situations, you may unexpectedly find mold or another contaminant in their home, or maybe their spouse smokes in the home. This can cause significant concerns for their health, and you need to take the proper precautions to keep them healthy and comfortable. Here are five of the most common air contaminants that every caretaker should know.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless gas that’s released when fossil fuels are burned. If the body is exposed to carbon monoxide, its oxygen levels deplete. The effects include nausea, dizziness, headaches, a fast heart rate, and death. Make sure the home is adequately ventilated, and contact a professional about any leaks.
Another one of the most common indoor air contaminants is radon. Radon is a radioactive gas generated naturally in the soil, and it enters the house through the ground. With consistent exposure, it’s the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. If you suspect the home contains radon, you can use an at-home kit or schedule a professional radon service to remedy the problem.
One of the worst contaminants you can find in a home is mold. Mold is a types of fungus that can grow indoors and outdoors, ranging from harmless to dangerous. It can trigger an allergic reaction in some people, causing nasal stuffiness, eye or throat irritation, swelling, coughing, sneezing, headaches, or skin irritation. So make sure the moisture and humidity levels in the home remain normal. Otherwise, contact a professional mold remover to take care of it.
Asbestos is a group of minerals found naturally worldwide and deemed unsafe in the US. Disturbing asbestos fibers cause them to become airborne and enter the lungs, increasing the risk of lung cancer and lung disorders such as asbestosis. It can cause coughing, trouble breathing, and permanent lung damage. Contact an asbestos exposure lawyer if you feel there’s a chance that it’s present in the home.
Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is a mixture of the smoke released from burned tobacco products, such as cigarettes and cigars. Also known as passive smoking, it increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, asthma attacks, and other lung conditions. So reduce smoking in the home, and don’t allow others to do so.
All in all, caring for a loved one is a lot of work. However, knowing that you’ve helped them and their quality of life is also gratifying. So enjoy the moments together, and you’ll look back on them fondly.
